Good dog! Canine heaven at National Western

Every year around this time, the Westminster Kennel Club puts on its hifalutin, thoroughly mockable parade of purebreds, all vying to star in the next Christopher Guest movie. And around the same time, a down-home dog show unfolds at the National Western Stock Show Complex, sponsored by the Colorado Kennel...

By Alan Prendergast

February 12, 2010

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Every year around this time, the Westminster Kennel Club puts on its hifalutin, thoroughly mockable parade of purebreds, all vying to star in the next Christopher Guest movie. And around the same time, a down-home dog show unfolds at the National Western Stock Show Complex, sponsored by the Colorado Kennel Club and the Plum Creek Kennel Club.

The 15th Annual Rocky Mountain Cluster Dog Show, Feburary 12-15, is an opportunity to admire canine grace and agility -- and even the showiest showdog's capacity for unpretentious butt-sniffing. Only dogs entered in the show are allowed, but humans can take in the judging rounds, the agility and obedience contests, rally rings, and even the behind-the-scenes grooming secrets, as well as many, many vendors of doggy vitamins, couture and bling.

One particular highlight that sets this gathering apart from snobbier dog shows: A parade of rescue mutts Saturday at noon in the Center Ring. And you thought only purebreds could be the top of their class. Click here for more details.

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Alan Prendergast is a former staff writer at Westword and is now a senior contributor. He writes about various topics but primarily focuses on news. He’s contributed to Rolling Stone, Los Angeles Times, Outside, USA Today, Men's Journal and other publications and is the author of two nonfiction books, Gangbuster: One Man's Battle Against Crime and The Poison Tree: A True Story of Family Violence and Revenge. He’s earned numerous accolades for his work including the Eugene Pulliam National Journalism Writing Award and two national feature writing awards from the Society of Professional Journalists.

Contact: Alan Prendergast

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